I try to find something positive to tell students about their work,
effort or behavior and then tell them that they are "ready to move on to the
next level." They respond well to this and see it as a positive---that they
have accomplished something and are ready to try something more--more
challenging, more difficult, etc.
It was pointed out to me years ago that a child (or adult) won't hear
anything after the work "but..." so I try to avoid the word altogether. The
"but" voids any positive thing you said earlier.

Anne C-H in Illinois

> I received a list of encouraging and discouraging phrases the other day
that
> has me discouraged. Two of the phrases that stick out in my mind the most
> as discouraging phrases are..."You can do better." and "That looks good
but
> the edges are ragged."
> Any recommendations as to alternatives because I don't know how to change
> those phrases into something seen as positive without losing more quality
in
> kid's work. When you see a kid scribble to get through an assignment,
what
> do you say to them or do you just let it go? I teach a lot of the younger
> kids and grades mean nothing to them at this point. Any suggestions will
be
> greatly appreciated.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Lesley
>
>
>
> ---
>